Scientific Instruments
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
19th Century English Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Spanish Neoclassical Revival Antique Scientific Instruments
Other, Iron
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Late 19th Century Argentine Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments
Leather
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Early 1900s French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Magnets
19th Century English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Rosewood
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Fruitwood
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Oak
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
19th Century French Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Wire
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber, Pine
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood, Glass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Plaster
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper, Brass
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Oak
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Composition
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Russian Scientific Instruments
Diamond, Silver, Enamel
19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s Adam Style Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass
1930s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
17th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Stone
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
1970s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Linen, Paper
Early 1900s French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Multi-gemstone, Gold
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Metal, Other
Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments
Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.
With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.
If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?
Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.